Sea Trek Sailing Adventures: Drifting Away
The open-air Tropical Bar is a convivial gathering spot for exotic cocktails, and the adjacent Edwardian-style library supplies solace and opportunities for literary enlightenment. Two cozy swimming pools provide a cooling retreat from the warm Indonesian sun and a talented piano bar musician serves up casual entertainment before and after dinner. Little more is needed.
The ship’s selective itinerary seeks out characteristic port calls that reveal aspects of village life and explore the verdant flora and colorful mosaics of coral reefs. But the coastline and islands are more than mere eye candy, with optional excursions delving into lifestyle, geographical exploration, and the idiosyncrasies of Indonesian diversity. In addition to the excursion program, the ship offers a complimentary water sports program that includes snorkeling, paddleboarding, windsurfing, and beach outings. Onboard dive masters offer a convenient opportunity to participate in a scuba program for beginners as well as certified divers.
Prior to the conclusion of the journey, the warm hospitality of the crew is on full display with the cruise line’s trademark beach barbecue. While passengers soak up the sun on the white powdered sand, they prepare a generous array of fruit, salads, and grilled meats — more than enough to satisfy any beachcomber’s fantasy.
My knowledge of nautical jargon may be lacking as I wouldn’t know a jib from a lug, but every day under sail further intensifies my intrigue. Following the requisite photo op of manning the ship’s wheel, the next sailor initiation rite arrives when aspiring pirates are invited to climb a web of rope ladders to the crow’s nest lookout platform overhead. The succinct synergy of action, adventure, and luxury permeates the entire weeklong experience.
Although Wi-Fi is available, the sailing provides a rare opportunity to escape social media addiction and embrace a digital detox. With a surreal backdrop of scenery challenging your Instagram urges, it’s an opportunity to grasp the indelible imagery of deck shoe elegance. As the ship’s captain instructed, “Forget everything you know and think about cruising — this is sailing.”
Having established themselves as a front runner in the niche market of worldwide sailing with their three vessels — Star Clipper, Star Flyer, and Royal Clipper — the company will soon debut its newest family member with the highly anticipated launch of the stunning Flying Clipper. Certainly reason enough for a return sail away.
If you love informality, absorbing the visceral elements of nature’s beauty while escaping urban energy, picture yourself on SeaTrek Sailing Adventures’ 24-passenger Ombak Putih. It’s a nautical adventure aboard a traditional twin-masted pinisi that flashes a slight hint of softcore swashbuckling, bolstered with modern amenities best described as barefoot sublimity. Pack the flip-flops and cool sportswear and shift your imagination into high gear. This is an encounter with the exotic islands of eastern Indonesia.
Although the itinerary includes six detoxifying days and nights of sailing from Bali, an additional one-night, pre-cruise stay at Coral Reef Villas is included, providing an exceptional opportunity to decompress and a fitting preamble to the days ahead. After waking to the sight of the vessel anchored just off shore, a short zodiac ride transports you to your floating sanctuary. Active engagement gets underway shortly after crossing the channel to the Gili Islands as guests are escorted into the water on the first of many snorkeling explorations over resplendent coral and marine life. Each new day encourages fresh impressions via guided excursions to tropical destinations.
As a magnificent sun rises over the island of Lombok, the vessel’s zodiacs slip onto a glistening black-sand beach and the awaiting van with guide begins its ascent on jungle roads under the shadow of Mount Rinjani. A moderate hike reveals the perfumed growth of the dense forest and a stunning view of a cascading waterfall crashing onto volcanic boulders below. A snorkeling diversion later in the afternoon tops off the day, culminating with a full moon rising up over the silhouette of the island’s imposing volcano.
If the first day doesn’t deliver enough to incite travel goose bumps, try swimming, paddleboarding, or kayaking on a volcanic crater lake the next. If you are ready for more, recreate an epic Tarzan moment by swinging on a rope across the face of a jungle waterfall, dropping into the pool below. This is what fantasy dreams are made of.
A visit to the volcano- dominated island of Sangiang reveals a glimpse into the seafaring heritage of the Bugis people. Their legendary history of pirate escapades has evolved into the respected art of pinisi boat building. Witnessing the intricate skills of a communal group of 12 men handcrafting this traditional style of vessel proves to be fascinating. The afternoon’s doubleheader plays out on a white-sand beach with an extra inning bonus of the sun setting behind the silhouette of a smoking volcano.
No trip to the archipelago would be complete without a visit to the primeval landscapes of Komodo National Park to stalk the equally primeval Komodo dragon. With the aid of official park rangers, sightings prompt a jaw-dropping response, as camera lenses work overtime to frame the endemic reptile. An opportunity to swim with enormous manta rays provides the matinee encore.
The ambiance aboard is no less infectious. Air-conditioned cabins with en suite bathrooms and showers are compact and cozy retreats, facilitated by the hypnotic motion of the ocean gently rocking you to sleep. If the romantic whim of sleeping under the stars strikes you, sleeping bags are provided for personal comfort.
Forsaking the formality of a traditional dining room, meals are a celebration of regional flavors and fragrance. Unfussy, yet delicious dishes are served buffet-style with evening dinners served alfresco under a surrogate chandelier of stars.
This is the epitome of emancipating travel, free from structure and regimen with all details left to and competently delivered by genuine staff. Picture this alternative to formality: Flip-flops and shorts, with a warm tropical breeze caressing its way through a cool sarong or casual linen shirt. Sailing on a vessel like this is less about what it can do for you, but more about what it can do to you. It changes expectations and alters the way you see things, exposing what is really important in a vacation. If you have a prodigious appetite for spinning the destination wheel and interjecting an intoxicating sense of calm in exchange for extravagance, • this is a winning solution.